From creatine and protein to nitric oxide boosters and recovery support, these supplements can help power stronger lifts and better training results
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Strength gains don’t happen overnight, and they don’t necessarily always happen on training alone. Some of the best supplements for strength training can make a meaningful difference in how you feel – and build – in and out of the gym, which is why we’ve spent years testing hundreds of products – including shakes, stacks, powders and more – that have helped us progressively increase our muscle and training volume.
From creatine designed to power lifts to amino acid pills and clinical-grade whey that help drive muscle repair, support lean mass development and improve recovery after training, the right products can boost your performance and support faster recovery.
“Creatine is one of the most-researched fitness supplements and one I try to take consistently,” Supernatural coach and fitness expert Leanne Pedante told Athletech News. “Paired with resistance training, creatine reliably boosts strength, can increase lean mass and is generally considered safe for healthy adults at standard daily doses.”
Protein is also key to building and maintaining muscle mass, which in turn boosts the body’s capacity to burn calories during rest, Lifesum lead nutritionist Signe Svanfeldt previously explained to ATN. A strong heart is also key for cardio workouts, which is why experts like Matt Kasee recommend supplements like CoQ10 and omega-3s for supporting cardiovascular efficiency, cellular energy production and endurance performance.
“Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and protein is what drives muscle repair and growth,” Matt Kasee, Certified Personal Trainer and Founder of Trilogy Fitness Systems, told Athletech News. “When you strength train, you’re creating small amounts of damage in the muscle fibers, and essential amino acids, particularly leucine, play a direct role in triggering muscle protein synthesis, which is the mechanism that leads to muscle growth. They can also help reduce muscle breakdown during training and support recovery, especially during higher training volumes, but they work best when paired with adequate total protein intake and consistent training.”
Keep reading below for some of the best supplements for strength training based on advice from experts.
The Best Creatine Supplements
Transparent Lab’s besteller is a no-nonsense, unflavored way to get your daily creatine from a trusted source. Mix the powder into your favorite beverages or foods.
While many gummies have been scrutinized for inconsistent creatine dosing, Create, the most popular brand on Amazon, passed tests with flying colors. The brand’s creatine gummies are vegan, gluten-free and designed to deliver performance benefits without powders or pills. The gummies are as delicious as they are easy. And a new flavor launched late last year, Sour Peach: a bold new flavor to fuel your strength training.
Related: Create Wellness Raises $20M, Setting Sights Beyond Creatine Gummies
Recently launched at Ulta, Cymbiotika has taken the supplement world by storm with its easy-to-eat pouches that can be mixed into smoothies and other drinks. Its creatine is bloat-free, made with a proprietary CreaBrev formulation for smooth digestion and gut comfort.
We love Momentous’ convenient chewable tablets that deliver 1 gram of Creapure creatine monohydrate per chew, the gold-standard form of creatine.
Thorne’s bestselling supplement is our top value pick for creatine, with 3 months of daily servings for only $44.
The Best Whey Protein Supplements
A 2026 Vitamin Shoppe Suppies Award winner, Raw Nutrition is a bestseller for a reason. The micro-filtered whey protein mixes smoothly and is light on the stomach, perfect for pre- or post-training use.
Seeq is a refreshing take on protein drinks: a sweet, clear whey protein isolate that’s perfect for a refreshing post-workout drink. With 22 grams of protein and zero sugar, Seeq is the perfect way to solidify your gains.
One of the most popular protein brands for a reason, Optimum Nutrition is 100% whey protein powder and has 24 grams of protein per serving.
The Best Vegan Protein Supplements
This plant-based protein powder delivers 24 grams of organic pea protein per serving with just one ingredient: organic peas. Free from added sugars and fillers, it’s a clean, dairy-free option for supporting muscle recovery and strength after workouts.
One of the best vegan-friendly protein shakes, Koia Elite‘s plant-based drink is a delicious, easy way to get 32 grams of protein per serving.
The Best Amino Supplements
Bodyhealth’s PerfectAmino delivers a clean formulated blend of all eight essential amino acids, including L-Leucine, L-Valine and L-Isoleucine, designed to support muscle recovery and overall protein synthesis.
Vital Aminos from Momentous is a blend of all nine essential amino acids plus four additional aminos that support muscle protein synthesis, recovery and endurance.
The Best Heart Health Supplements
Humann’s SuperBeets Heart Chews deliver concentrated beetroot and grape seed extract to support nitric oxide production, helping improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles during workouts. The result is better circulation and endurance without caffeine or stimulants. With a pomegranate-berry flavor, they offer an easy alternative to beet juice or powders for athletes looking to support performance.
Qunol Ultra CoQ10 Softgels are formulated with a highly absorbable form of Coenzyme Q10, a compound that supports cellular energy production and heart health. The brand’s water- and fat-soluble formula is designed to improve absorption compared to standard CoQ10 supplements.
The Best Collagen Supplements
This multi-source collagen powder delivers 22 grams of collagen protein per 2 scoops, combining five types of collagen (I, II, III, V and X) from sources like grass-fed beef, fish, chicken and eggshell membrane. We love that it’s flavorless and easy to mix into your favorite foods or drinks.
We love this collagen powder for its eco-first packaging and its 20 grams of collagen peptides per serving, with no sugar or flavoring.
The Best Stacks & Multivitamins for Strength Training
The Thorne Foundational Stack combines three of the brand’s core formulas: Basic Nutrients 2/Day, Basic B Complex and Super EPA fish oil. Together, they provide essential vitamins, B vitamins and omega-3s that support energy production, recovery and healthy inflammatory response – all important for athletes training consistently.
$78/month (90-day supply)
IM8 is designed as an all-in-one daily supplement that simplifies a crowded wellness routine. The formula combines vitamins, minerals, adaptogens, probiotics and antioxidants into a single powdered drink that helps with energy and recovery.
